Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
178 words
In a paper sheet feeding apparatus having means for successively conveying flexible sheets of paper at a predetermined speed, means for decelerating the conveyed sheets from the predetermined speed prior to being stacked, the improvement wherein the conveying means includes means for lowering the trailing edge portion of a conveyed sheet with respect to the leading edge portion of the next successive sheet, wherein the decelerating means includes means for applying a suction force on the trailing edge portion of each conveyed sheet in proportion to the predetermined conveying speed to effect an overlap of the trailing edge portion of the decelerated sheet by the relatively higher leading edge portion of the next successive sheet, the suction means comprising an ejector roller disposed directly upstream of the stacking means and having recesses and at least one suction strip in the recesses of the ejector roller and extending approximately to the apex thereof and at least one nozzle in the vicinity of the ejector roller to form an air cushion between the decelerated sheet and the previously stacked sheet.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
178 words
In a paper sheet feeding apparatus having means for successively conveying flexible sheets of paper at a predetermined speed, means for decelerating the conveyed sheets from the predetermined speed prior to being stacked, the improvement wherein the conveying means includes means for lowering the trailing edge portion of a conveyed sheet with respect to the leading edge portion of the next successive sheet, wherein the decelerating means includes means for applying a suction force on the trailing edge portion of each conveyed sheet in proportion to the predetermined conveying speed to effect an overlap of the trailing edge portion of the decelerated sheet by the relatively higher leading edge portion of the next successive sheet, the suction means comprising an ejector roller disposed directly upstream of the stacking means and having recesses and at least one suction strip in the recesses of the ejector roller and extending approximately to the apex thereof and at least one nozzle in the vicinity of the ejector roller to form an air cushion between the decelerated sheet and the previously stacked sheet.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conveying means includes at least one conveyor belt extending into the area of the stacking means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, including at least one nozzle above the stacking means for directing air downwardly toward the leading edge portion of the sheet being stacked.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conveying means includes a plurality of spaced belts, a nozzle being provided in each space between adjacent belts, each nozzle being in the form of a strip.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
An apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the conveying means includes at least one conveyor belt extending into the area of the stacking means, and further including at least one nozzle above the stacking means for directing air downwardly toward the front portion of the sheet being stacked.